Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Caldwell.
Hi Sabrina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Book Haus was founded in 2018 in New Braunfels, Texas, shortly after I completed my degree in education. During my studies, I chose to minor in reading, which reinforced my belief in the transformative power of literacy and the importance of fostering a strong sense of community through books.
At the time, New Braunfels had limited access to independent bookselling, with only a small bookstore located within the local library. Recognizing an opportunity to create a dedicated space for readers, families, and lifelong learners, I opened The Book Haus in a very small location. The response from the community was overwhelming, and we quickly outgrew our original space.
Like many small businesses, we faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the support of our loyal customers and community, we persevered and continued serving local readers. However, in 2023, we made the difficult decision to close our Highway 46 location. My husband works out of town Monday through Friday, and our family decided to relocate in hopes of embracing a coastal lifestyle and spending more time together.
While the experience was valuable, we soon realized how much we missed New Braunfels and the community we had come to love. After returning home and settling back into the area, I reopened The Book Haus in 2025. The encouragement and support we received from the community during our return confirmed what we had always known—The Book Haus is more than a bookstore; it is a gathering place that celebrates reading, learning, and connection.
Today, The Book Haus continues its mission of bringing people together through books while serving as a welcoming space for readers of all ages.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges facing independent bookstores today is competing with online retail giants, particularly Amazon. To be completely transparent, booksellers typically receive only a 40–45% discount on new books from publishers and distributors. This means that our profit margins are already relatively small before accounting for operating expenses such as rent, utilities, payroll, and other business costs.
Amazon’s ability to sell books at prices that are often below what independent bookstores pay wholesale creates a significant challenge for small businesses in the industry. Customers naturally appreciate lower prices, but many are unaware that independent bookstores simply cannot match those discounts and remain financially sustainable.
Despite these obstacles, independent bookstores continue to thrive by offering something that large online retailers cannot replicate: personal recommendations, community events, local partnerships, literacy programs, and a welcoming space where readers can connect with one another. While bookselling remains a challenging industry, the support of local communities makes it possible for independent bookstores like The Book Haus to continue serving readers and fostering a love of books for future generations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Book Haus?
At The Book Haus, we strive to offer something for every reader. Our inventory includes a wide variety of genres, featuring both new and used books for all ages and interests. Whether someone is searching for the latest bestseller, a beloved classic, children’s books, romance, mystery, science fiction, or nonfiction, we work hard to provide a diverse selection that welcomes everyone.
More than anything, we are grateful for the incredible support we have received from our community. The encouragement, loyalty, and enthusiasm of our customers have made it possible for The Book Haus to grow and continue serving New Braunfels. We are proud to be a community-focused bookstore and look forward to sharing our love of reading with generations of readers to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebookhaus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_book_haus/
